Social Worker (MSW)

Volunteers of America•Lanham, MD

46d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker-MSW under the supervision of the Center Manager plans, organizes and implements social services to Senior Community Care participants and families. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: assessment, treatment, teaching and counseling to participant, caregiver or other appropriate representatives. The Social Services Worker interventions could include individual participant contacts; appropriate collateral contacts; participant and family education, assessment and counseling; provision of resources; ongoing case management; advocacy to ensure participant and caregiver needs are met and addressed; and disenrollment procedures. The Social Services Worker is the liaison between the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), caregiver representatives, and community agencies.

Requirements

Masters’ Degree from an accredited school of social work required.
Be legally authorized, currently licensed, registered or certified if applicable in the state of employment.
A minimum of one year’s experience working with frail or elderly population required
Must clear background check.
Must have a valid driver’s license and have means of transportation.
Must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team in a hospital, nursing home or community-based setting is preferable

Responsibilities

Performs in person initial assessments for enrollment of potential Senior Community Care participants to obtain a complete psychosocial history, which may include descriptions of cognitive status, social supports, family dynamics mental health and substance dependency and other issues and needs.
Coordinates with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop a comprehensive plan of care for each participant.
Conducts in person re-assessment of enrolled participants every six (6) months and as needed.
Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Maintains regular attendance at and participates in Interdisciplinary Team meetings; communicates participant changes, collaborates on plan of care decisions and coordination for twenty-four (24) hour care delivery.
Provides ongoing support, counsel, and education to participants and family regarding a variety of issues, including but not limited to: the aging process, dementia, grief and loss, end of life, disease processes, difficult family dynamics and changing roles, PACE model and PACE health services.
Presents requests to Interdisciplinary Team for and coordinates admission/discharge to contracted facilities for temporary respites and permanent placement.
Acts as facilitator for meetings with participant, family, caregivers, and community agencies to clarify, or problem solves issues regarding the plan of care. Mediates discussions between all parties.
If hospice care is appropriate actively provides emotional support, grief work, education and funeral/financial planning referral. Facilitates hospice or nursing home placement as needed. Initiate referrals to external resources with community agencies such as Adult Protective Services, Housing Authority, or public utility companies. Advocates with these entities for purposes of maintaining community stability.